Clasp construction



' Aug. 26, 1969 M. MARQUARDT 3,462,807

CLASP CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 15, l1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fg. 4. /6 A .54 /4 /4 /0 y sh.. l5 o 52 J0 l 40| 342 62 40 INVENTOR,

Att s.

Aug. 26, 1969 M. MARQUARDT CLASP CON-STRUCTIGN 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 15. 1968 INVENTOR, Max Ma rguardt,

United States Patent P 3,462,807 CLASP CONSTRUCTION Max Marquardt, West Warwick, RJ., assignor to Marquardt-Hudes, Inc., Providence, RJ., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed Jan. 15, 1968, Ser. No. 697,907 Int. Cl. A441) 11/25; A44c 5/18 U.S. Cl. 24-230 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Background of the invention The clasp construction for use with an ornamental chain as embodied in the present invention has general application in connecting the ends of the ornamental chain to a decorative element. However, in the more specific form of the invention, the clasp construction embodied herein relates particularly to identification bracelets and to the manner of joining the chain of the brace let to the identification plate.

Prior to the instant invention, the plate of the identification bracelet was normally interconnected to the chain through a link type of clasp construction. Although this type of clasp served the purpose intended, it was difficult to maneuver by the wearer, particularly since it was required that the wearer manipulate the clasp with only one hand. Some efforts have been made heretofore to simplify clasp constructions for use with identification bracelets, even to the extent of modifying the plate for accommodating a clasp therein. However, even these prior know constructions were relatively complicated and were moreover expensive to manufacture and assemble.

Summary of the invention The present invention relates to a bracelet construction as used with an identification plate and includes a unique lock member that is adapted to be interconnected in a housing that defines the identification plate. The lock member is formed with spaced legs that have resilient characteristics and are joined to a head portion that, in turn, is interconnected to the bracelet. The housing that defines the identification plate is formed with a slot in at least one end thereof and into which the lock member is inserted. As the legs of the lock member are inserted into the slot, they are com-pressed; and when they are fully inserted therein, at least one of the legs is released and a notch formed thereon snaps into engagement with an abutment located interiorly of the plate housing. The other of the legs is formed with a resilient element having a free end that is located adjacent to the slot When the lock member is disposed in the locked position. Since the spring element has some resilience, movement of the lock member in a lateral direction causes the spring element to be compressed, thereby providing for sufficient movement of the lock member to enable the notch to clear the abutment. The lock member is then free for withdrawal from the plate housing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide 3,462,807A Patented Aug. 26, 1969 ICC an identification bracelet having a housing that is adapted to receive a lock member in interlocked relation therewith, the lock member having a specific configuration that enables it to be easily inserted into the housing and extracted therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide an identification bracelet having a housing formed in a two-piece construction and in which a lock member joined to an ornamental chain is adapted to be removably inserted in locking relation, the lock member having resilient legs that are receivable in locking relation in the housing.

Still another object is to provide a lock member for use in a clasp construction that includes spaced resilient legs, one of which is formed with a notch for engagement with an abutment formed interiorly of a housing in which the lock member is inserted, and the other of which is formed with a spring element that is laterally deflected to provide for removal of the lock member from the housing.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Description of the drawing In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view with portions broken away of one form of the invention showing the housing of the clasp construction embodied herein and the manner in which the lock members of the clasp construction are received in said housing;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines M in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3 3 in FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 but showing only a portion of the clasp construction and illustrating the manner in which the lock member is released from its locked position in the housing;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to IFIIG. 4 and showing the lock member as it is being withdrawn from the clasp construction housing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lock member;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view with portions broken away showing a modified form of the invention, wherein the lock member illustrated is disposed in the locked position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the lock member as it is about to be extracted from the housing;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective View of the housing of the modified form of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lock member employed in the modified form of the invention.

Description of the invention Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the clasp construction embodied herein is gene-rally indicated at 10 and, as shown, iS employed in an identification bracelet. However, it will be understood that the clasp construction 10 as it is embodied herein is not limited to an identification bracelet, although reference to the constructional features of the invention hereinafter will refer to the specific parts of an identification bracelet construction.

The clasp construction 10 includes a housing generally indicated at 12 to which lock members generally indicated at 14 are adapted to be interlocked in engaging relation. Joined to the lock members 14 is a bracelet chain as represented by the links 16, it being understood that the complete chain is comprised of a plurality of interconnected links. In the description of the lock members 14, reference will be made to only one of these members, since the lock members are identical in construction and are insertable into identically formed slots located in opposed ends of the housing 12.

The housing 12 is hollow in construction and is defined by an outer member 18 and an inner member 20 that is interlocked with the outer member. Both the outer member 18 and the inner member 20 have a generally curved configuration that conforms to the wrist of the wearer, as is conventional in identification bracelet constructions. The outer member 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes an outer wall 22 to which side walls 24 and 26 are joined in integral relation. Flanges 28 and 30 are joined to the side walls 24 and 26, respectively, and cooperate therewith to define a channel configuration. Integrally joined to the outer wall 22 are end walls 32 and 34 in which slots 36 and 38 are formed. Inwardly turned tabs 40 and 42 are struck from the end walls 32 and 34 and define stops or abutments for the lock members 14 when each lock member is inserted into the housing 12.

The inner member 20 includes an inner wall 44 to which side walls 46 and 48 are joined. Elongated shoulders are formed between the inner wall 44 and the side walls 46 and 48 so that the inner member 20 can be accommodated within the outer member 18, the anges 28 and 30 being received on the shoulders of the inner member, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The extreme ends of the inner member 20 are open to expose the slots 36 and 38 as formed in the end walls 32 and 34 of the outer member 18, and thus enable lock members 14 to be inserted within the housing without engagement with the inner member 20. Formed on the side walls 46 and 48 of the inner member 20 are inwardly extending projections 50 and 52 that are engaged by the tabs 40 and 42, respectively and that define supports therefor. The exterior surfaces of the outer wall 22 and inner wall 44 are either plated or finished to a high luster to provide an ornamental appearance for the housing 12 as in conventional in bracelet construction. It is also understood that the outer wall 22 or the inner wall 44 may be decorated or provided with identifying indicia as is conventional in constructions of this kind.

The lock members 14 which are interconnected to the ends of the ornamental chain provide for easy interconnection of the chain with the housing 12 for locating the bracelet in encircling relation on the wearers wrist. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the lock member 14 is more clearly illustrated and includes a head member 54 that has generally a U configuration and is formed of relatively heavy stock that is similar to the stock from which the bracelet is constructed. Thus, the head member 54 appear to form a part of the bracelet; and when the lock member 14 is inserted within the housing 12, the head member 14 appears to be a link in the bracelet construction. Joined to the head member 54 are 0pposed legs, one of which is generally indicated at 56 and the other of which is generally indicated at 58. The leg member 56 is defined by an elongated portion 60 in which a notch 62 is formed adjacent to the outer end thereof. An inturned portion 64 is formed on the inner end of the leg portion 60 for reducing the opening between the leg members 56 and 58 at the inner ends thereof. The leg member 58 is formed in a U-shaped construction that is defined by a leg element 66 and a spring element 68 spaced from the leg element 66 and that is joined thereto at the inner end thereof through a connecting portion 70. The spring element 68 has relative movement with respect to the leg element 66, and

4 this deecting action is essentially a spring action, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described.

When the bracelet construction is to be located in encircling relation on the wrist of the wearer and assuming that one of the lock members is interlocked in the housing 12, the other lock member 14 is then ready for insertion into the housing 12 in interlocked relation therein. For this purpose, the leg members 56 and 58 0f the lock member 14 are inserted through the slot 36 that is formed in the end wall 32 of the housing 12, the lateral dimension of the leg members 56 and 58 being such that they are slightly greater than the lateral dimension of the slot 36. However, since the leg members 56 and 58 are separated, they are defiected inwardly with respect to each other so that the edges of the leg portion 60 and spring element 68 slidably engage the ends of the slot 36 as the lock member 14 is slidably moved into the housing. The inner ends of the leg members 56 and 58 are tapered somewhat so as to reduce the lateral dimension of the leg members at their inner ends and thus provide a lead-in for the lock member 14 as it is inserted into the housing.

When the leg members S6 and 58 are fully inserted within the housing, the head member 54 therefor defines a stop and prevents further inward movement. At this pin, the notch 62 snaps over the adjacent tab 40 and locks the lock member 14 within the housing. It is seen that the lock member cannot be withdrawn by pulling outwardly because of the interlocking action of the notch 62 and the adjacent tab 40. As shown more clearly in FIG. l, when the lock member 14 is fully inserted within the housing, the outer end of the spring element 68 still engages the adjacent tab 42. Thus, the only lock connection for the lock member 14 is the interengagement of the notch 62 and the tab 40. When it is required to remove the lock member 14 from the lock position within the housing, a lateral force is applied to the head member 14 as indicated in FIG. 4. The spring element 68, which has relative movement with respect to the leg element 66, is deflected, thus enabling the notch 62 to be removed from its engagement with the adjacent tab 40. The lock member 14 may then be withdrawn by pulling outwardly thereon as indicated in FIG. 5 to release it from its locked position within the housing 12.

It is seen that the clasp construction as represented by the housing 12 and lock members 14 are simply interlocked by merely inserting the leg members 56 and 58 within an end slot of the housing. Removal of a lock member is accomplished with relative simplicity by the simple procedure of exerting a lateral force on its head member 54 and then pulling outwardly on the head member to withdraw the associated lock member from Within the housing.

An added constructional advantage of the invention is the manner in which the lock member 14 is mounted on the end link 16 of the ornamental chain. As previously noted, the leg members 56 and 58 are spaced from each other to provide some resilience therebetween for inserting the lock member within the housing 12. This spacing of the leg members further enables each lock member 14 to be threaded over the last link 16 of the ornamental chain. Thus, the link 16 is moved between the leg portion 60 and the leg element 66 of each lock member, the reduced inner opening being separable for admitting the link 16 therethrough. It is understood that each lock member 14 will be positively retained in its link 16 since the reduced opening formed between the inturned portion 64 and the connecting portion 70 will prevent any inadvertent removal of each lock member from its link 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, a modified form of the invention is illustrated and is directed particularly to the manner in which the lock members are secured within the associated housing. The housing as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 is generally indicated at 72 and includes an outer member 74 that has a channel configuration defined by an outer wall 76 and opposed side walls 7-8, 80. The opposed ends of the louter member 74 are open and cooperate with a channel shaped inner member generally indicated at 82 for receiving a lock member generally indicated at 84. The inner member Y82 is defined by an inner wall 86 and side walls 88 and 90, the inner wall 86 having marginal recesses 92 that receive inturned portions 94 formed on the side walls 78, 80l of the outer member 74. As shown more clearly in FIG. 9, the side walls 88 and 90 are formed with openings 96 therein that define abutments for receiving a notched portion of the lock member 84 as will be described. The ends of the housing 72 are exposed to define end openings 97 for receiving lock members 84 therein.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lock member 84 is formed in a one-piece construction and is preferably stamped out of a metal blank. A head portion 98 is formed in a loop configuration and is twisted to impart the appearance of a link of a bracelet chain. Joined to the head portion 98 are spaced leg members 100 and 102, the leg member 100 having a notch 104 formed in the outer edge thereof. A spring element 106 is formed as part of the leg member 102 and is adapted to be flexed inwardly when the lock member is inserted through an end opening of the housing 74.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the openings 96 are shown located in the side Walls 90 of the inner member 82 in such position as to receive the notch 104 therein when the leg members 100 and 102 are fully inserted in the housing 72 through the opening 97 and the head member 98 engages the adjacent end of the housing. With the lock member 84 located in the fully inserted locked position within the housing 72 as shown in FIG. 7, the spring element 106 remains in its outer position in bearing relation against a side wall of the inner member 82. When it is required to unlatch the lock member 84 for opening the bracelet, a force is exerted against the head portion 98 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing and toward the spring element 106. The spring element is defiected inwardly, las shown in FIG. 8, to permit the notch 104 to lift out of the locked position in the adjacent opening 96. An outer force is then exerted on the head portion 98 to extract the lock member 84 from the housing 72. As previously described in connection with the lock member 14, the leg members 100 and 102 are so constructed as to permit threading of an adjacent link of a bracelet therebetween.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clasp construction for use with an ornamental chain, a housing having a slot formed in at least one end thereof, abutment means located inwardly of said housing and -adjacent to said slot, a lock member being receivable in said slot and into said housing, said lock member being receivable in said slot and into said housing, said lock member including a head portion that is interconnected to an end of said chain, and spaced legs, one of which is joined to said head portion, said legs being generally coplan-ar, said one leg that is joined to said head portion having a notch formed therein that is engageable with said abutment means when said lock member is inserted through said slot, the other leg of said lock member being defined by a leg element that is interconnected at one end to said head portion and by a spring element that is interconnected to said leg element at the other end thereof, said spring element extending reversely with respect to said leg element for a major portion of the length thereof and terminating in a free end that is located adjacent to said head portion and that is laterally biased when said legs are inserted into said housing, wherein the notch in said one leg is forced into locking engagement with said abutment, said free end of said spring element being positioned such that it is spaced inwardly of said head portion and being insertable into said housing so as to remain in communication with said slot when the lock member is located in said housing in the locked position thereof, and being yieldable while in said housing when a lateral force is applied to said head portion to provide for release of said notch from engagement with said abutment, wherein said lock member may be withdrawn from said housing.

2. In a clasp construction as set forth in claim 1, said housing including an outer member and an inner member, said outer member having end walls in at least one of which said slot is formed, tabs being joined to the end wall in which said slot is formed and extending inwardly of said housing with respect thereto.

3. In a clasp construction as set forth in claim 2, said outer member further including an outer wall to which are joined opposed flanges that cooperate to define a channel configuration, said inner member including an inner w-all and opposed flanges that define a channel configuration, said inner member being interfitted in said outer member such that the flanges of said members are disposed in engaging relation.

4. In a clasp construction as set forth in claim 3, a projection formed on each of the flanges of said inner member and being located adjacent to a tab, said projections facing inwardly of said housing and defining supports for said tabs to prevent overbending thereof due to the pressure exerted thereon by the legs of said lock member when said lock member is inserted through said slot and into said housing.

5. In a clasp construction as set forth in claim 1, said legs being spaced apart sufficiently to permit insertion of an end link of said chain on said one leg, said chain end link being removable on said one leg for engagement with said head member to interconnect said chain with said head member and lock member.

6. In a clasp construction as set forth in claim 1, said abutment means including an opening formed in a side wall of said housing and said notch as formed on said lock member being receivable in said opening in locking relation.

7. In 4a clasp construction for use with an ornamental chain, a housing having a slot formed in at least one end thereof, abutment means located inwardly of said housing and adjacent to said slot, a lock member being receivable in said slot and into said housing, said lock member including a head portion that is interconnected to an end of said chain, and spaced legs, one of which is joined to said head portion, said legs being generally coplanar, said one leg that is joined to said head portion having `a notch formed therein that is engageable with said abutment means when said lock member is inserted through said slot, the other leg of said lock member including a spring portion, the outer edge of which is uninterrupted, said spring portion having a free end that is located adjacent to said head portion and that is laterally biased when said legs are inserted into said housing, wherein the notch in said one leg is forced into locking engagement with said abutment, said free end of the other leg being positioned such that it is spaced inwardly of said head portion and being insertable into said housing so as to remain in communication with said slot when the lock member is located in said housing in the locked position thereof, and being yieldable while in said housing when a lateral force is applied to said head portion to provide for release of said notch from engagement with said abutment, wherein said lock member may be withdrawn from said housing, said housing including an outer member and an inner member, said outer member having end walls in at least one of which said slot is formed, tabs being joined to the end wall in which said slot is formed and extending inwardly of said housing with respect thereto, said outer member further including an outer Wall to which are joined opposed anges that cooperate to define a channel configuration, said inner member including an inner wall and opposed anges that deiine a channel conguration, said inner member being intertted in said outer member such that the anges of said members are disposed in engaging relation, a projection formed on each of the flanges of said inner member and being located adjacent to a tab, said projections facing inwardly of said housing and dening supports for said tabs to prevent overbending thereof due to the pressure exerted thereon by the legs of said lock member when said lock member is inserted through said slot and into said housing.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS BERNARD A. GELAK, Primary Examiner 

